The top 3 reasons you should attend a digital aligner bootcamp.

Clear aligners have quickly become one of the most popular orthodontic treatment options used today. While they may not be the right choice for every case, they can provide many of your patients with excellent results. 

The American Orthodontic Society Digital Aligner Bootcamp gives you the skills and experience you may not have received in dental school to offer this orthodontic treatment through your practice. Here are three reasons you should consider attending.

1. Gain Practical, Hands-On Orthodontic Skills

The first thing you should know about the AOS Digital Aligner Bootcamp is that it covers a wide range of orthodontic skills and knowledge. You aren’t simply given the basic knowledge to implement clear aligners. Instead, you receive a solid foundation that covers many aspects of orthodontics.

Thorough orthodontic courses for general dentists impart knowledge on the role of orthodontics in a general dental practice. You’ll learn about the different treatments available today and the context of clear aligners among various options.

The boot camp prepares you for effective screening and diagnosis of orthodontic issues. You’ll gain an understanding of the criteria for which cases you should take on yourself and which should be referred to a specialized orthodontist.

Of course, you’ll also learn the principles behind aligner therapy and how to apply them. An understanding of the biomechanics behind clear aligners prepares you to plan and carry out treatment plans to deliver the best outcomes for your patients.

The boot camp focuses on practical, hands-on learning that really equips you with the skills to handle treatment. You’ll gain the expertise and confidence to effectively carry out clear aligner treatment plans at your practice.

2. Enhance Treatment Options and Improve Outcomes

As a practicing dentist, you could pursue many different avenues when it comes to continuing education. Orthodontics in general—and aligner therapy in particular—stand out among other options as an excellent way to make your practice more competitive, achieve growth, and leave your patients happy.

Aligner therapy is a minimally invasive and relatively convenient treatment option for addressing a variety of malocclusion and bite issues. While aligners aren’t suitable for every case, they often provide an alternative to more invasive procedures.

Aligners are often compared and contrasted with straight wire braces. Both offer suitable treatment options for a variety of cases. Developing the necessary skills for straight wire treatment requires a longer time investment. If you’re looking to add orthodontics to your practice, the Digital Aligner Bootcamp offers an excellent starting point with the potential to expand your skills later on.

Clear aligners deliver excellent results when it comes to achieving proper tooth positioning and bite alignment. Your patients can take advantage of this treatment not just to improve the appearance of their smiles, but also for the function and health benefits that come with proper alignment.

Orthodontic continuing education expands your available tool set to let your practice offer more comprehensive care. That’s a major factor in how modern patients choose their dental home. Knowing that they can get the care they need under one roof instead of being shuttled to multiple specialists will give your patients lasting peace of mind.

3. Learn to Incorporate Orthodontics Into Larger Treatment Plans

When you enroll in the AOS Digital Aligner Bootcamp, you’ll receive the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle all aspects of treatment. That includes treatment planning — having both the technical insights needed for digital aligners and the ability to fit them into larger treatment plans.

Patients often suffer from a variety of dental and orthodontic issues simultaneously. This is true when misaligned teeth complicate oral hygiene, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Your patients may require a complex treatment plan that includes clear aligner treatment as just one step.

Being able to provide orthodontic care makes developing that larger treatment plan and carrying it out much more manageable for both your practice and your patients. Scheduling is made easier because various procedures and check-ups can be grouped together. That simply isn’t possible if your patient has to visit an outside specialist for orthodontic care.

Adding orthodontics to your practice is an effective option, no matter the makeup of your patient base. Clear aligners are used by both adolescent and adult patients. They promote oral health, resolve functional issues, and are a popular cosmetic treatment. 

Integrating aligner therapy at your practice opens the door to providing holistic patient care, no matter what challenges individual patients face.

Build Your Skills With the AOS Digital Aligner Bootcamp

Developing the proper skills and experience to implement clear aligners at your practice can open the door to new opportunities and help you provide effective care for your patients. The American Orthodontic Society provides a variety of general dentist orthodontics courses, including our Digital Aligner Bootcamp. Register for the upcoming spring or fall session to secure your spot!